Rebel Wilson, better known for her slapstick humour in movies such as the Pitch Perfect series (where she played ‘Fat Amy’), and more recently, writer of a controversial memoir, is unrecognisable in The Almond and the Seahorse; a drama looking at the lives of two people affected by traumatic brain injuries – as well as their partners whose lives are also changed irrevocably. This is the first dramatic role for Wilson and it is a challenge she has taken on really well.
The amygdala and the hippocampus in the brain are described as ‘the almond and the seahorse’ – hence the name of the film. These are also the parts of the brain involved with the memory function. These same parts have been damaged irreversibly for Joe (Celyn Jones) and Gwen (Trine Dyrholm). Joe had an operation to remove a large tumour in his brain and Gwen was involved in a very serious car accident. This has left them with amnesia. A fact they, for the most part, are (ironically) unable to remember causing much distress. However, they do not seem to be the main characters in this story. In fact, it is their partners’ who are left to pick up the pieces, whose point of view the film focuses on.
The Almond and the Seahorse, based on the 2008 play of the same name, provides compassionate insight into the frustration, confusion and distress sufferers may feel on ‘bad’ days, depicting how those affected may feel unlike their old selves and also how those who love them may miss the people they feel they once knew. However, this film, unfortunately, comes across as dull and lacks direction.
One of the main plot points is the attraction between Wilson’s Sarah and Gainsbourg’s Toni. What ties two struggling couples together is the connection between Sarah (Rebel Wilson) and Toni (Charlotte Gainsbourg), however the morning after the night before, the chemistry is simply non-existent. However, there is a nonchalance to their affair and perhaps this is a way to indicate that the two women’s love for their respective partners is not changed by their feelings towards one another.
It goes without saying there are many complex elements to this drama, but the film takes on too much and, in doing so, fails to really grip viewers.
Rebel Wilson is brilliant when it comes to playing someone who is essentially at the end of their tether. Someone who is feeling lost, facing emotional turmoil and, you could say, in need of support. It seems ‘serious acting’ suits Wilson very well. Alongside Trine Dyrholm (Gwen), Celyn Jones portrays a brain trauma injury victims incredibly well. There are also scenes which focus on advocacy for disability rights, particularly for those with hidden disabilities. For example, Sarah finds herself defending Joe in public from those who misunderstand him and his intentions.
The casting is excellent, nearing on perfect. Meera Syal even makes an appearance as a charismatic, straight-shooting doctor. The storyline and the overall film is sadly not as engaging nor is it entertaining. The pace of the film is too slow and doesn’t sustain one’s interest, however the end message is one of hope for Joe, Gwen and their families.
The Almond and the Seahorse will be in UK Cinemas from 10th May
